Bentley, the luxury carmaker we admire today, owes much of its success to an unexpected benefactor, none other than the billionaire Sultan of Brunei.
Without his intervention during the turbulent 1990s, Bentley’s story might have taken a very different turn.
Back then, Bentley was operating independently, unaligned with the Volkswagen Group, and struggling to achieve the sales figures it needed to thrive.
The ’90s presented tough times for numerous automakers, particularly those with dwindling revenues.
Enter Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and his brother, Prince Jefri, whose passion for custom-made cars provided the British automaker with a much-needed lifeline.
A Billion-Dollar Boost
The Brunei royals channeled billions of dollars into Bentley’s research, development, and production during the decade. Their love for bespoke automobiles led to the commissioning of at least 23 unique vehicles (that we know of, there may be more).
Critics may argue that Bentley capitalized on the Sultan’s wealth, but it’s hard to deny that this financial support played a pivotal role in the brand’s survival.
Without this investment, modern Bentley icons like the Continental GT and Bentayga might never have existed.
The Sultan’s Exclusive Bentley Commissions
The Java
The first car commissioned by the Sultan was the Java, produced between 1994 and 1996. This series included coupes, convertibles, and even estates, each equipped with a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
Approximately a dozen Javas were built, each costing a small fortune to develop.
The B3
The B3 was a standout design, penned by renowned Italian designer Pininfarina.
Essentially a reimagined Bentley Continental R, the B3 featured a massive 6.75-liter V8 engine with a Garrett turbocharger.
Despite being produced for just a year, the Sultan added around a dozen B3s to his collection.
The B2
A convertible counterpart to the B3, the Bentley B2 retained its luxurious charm with a soft-top roof.
Built in the same era as the coupe, an estimated 17 units were made, making it another rare gem in the Sultan’s fleet.
The Buccaneer
One of the most mysterious vehicles commissioned by Brunei, the Buccaneer was a retro-inspired, two-door sports coupe.
Designed by Geoff Matthews Design and built by France Design, this car also boasted a 6.75-liter turbocharged V8. Details remain sparse due to its exclusivity.
The Grand Prix
In 1994, the Brunei royals commissioned the Grand Prix — a bespoke, aluminum-bodied Bentley capable of reaching a top speed of 305 km/h.
A unique identifier on this car was the letter “H” in its chassis number, signaling its exclusive status for the Brunei royal family.
The Dominator
Decades before the Bentayga, Bentley ventured into the SUV space with the Dominator.
Inspired by the Range Rover, this luxury SUV was unlike anything Bentley had done before.
At a jaw-dropping $4 million per unit, the Sultan purchased three Dominators, making this early SUV a rare sight indeed.
A Legacy of Luxury
The Sultan of Brunei’s investment in Bentley didn’t just save the company — it shaped its future.
The opulent vehicles he commissioned not only showcased the automaker’s craftsmanship but also kept the brand alive during a critical time.
For car enthusiasts and historians alike, the Sultan’s contribution is a testament to the profound impact of passion and money in the world of luxury automobiles.
